Fall Break....WHAT?

Hey everybody!

I'd like to start by reminding all readers how wonderful of a school Luther College is. Where else do you get a week-long Fall break? Now, thats not to say that I'm not enjoying my college experience, but who doesn't appreciate a chance in mid-October to go home, stay in the dorms with no classes, or in my case, take a trip. Its such a freeing experience when you're able to suggest to a couple of friends that you should go on a trip to Chicago. I don't know how many other people out there experienced this in high school and younger, but all of my big vacation-like trips involved my family. Its quite a different feeling to be much more independent and decisive about what you want to do and where you want to go.

After break, I was back at school for a total of one and a half days, because now I'm at home for my brother's confirmation. Before, I've said it's weird to be home. I'd like to rephrase that. It's weird NOT to be at Luther. I miss all of my friends, staying up late, and having a Nutty Irishman at Marty's, among other things.

As far as school goes, I experienced something new this past week (before break). First, here's some background information. When I would imagine what it would be like in college (before I decided on Luther), I would always think of classes being large lectures where the professor didn't know you, or care if you took the time to study or even come to class. Even though it isn't the “large lecture” setting at Luther, I still figured the professors could care less if I came to class or studied. After all, I'm paying tuition. Now, my grades are fine, but I missed my Paideia class 4 times because I was either sick, sick, sick, or sick. A few days later, I get an e-mail from my Paideia professor, my advisor, and the SASC office. (SASC is the Student Academic Support Center...I think). The two e-mails from my advisor and professor were full of concern, and asked if I needed to talk about anything. When you get an e-mail from SASC, it is usually because a professor forwards your name to them, so then I figured my professor was double concerned. It was kind of an awakening of sorts, because those events totally shifted my views of the compassion of professors at small (or perhaps any) colleges.

I hope the college search is going well for everyone. If you are still undecided, I found a great resource that helped me make my choice. Hope it helps you as well !


collegesearch.collegeboard.com


Later!
Jake

Norsemen...at Luther....really?

Hello all,

This past week the Norsemen began working on our Christmas at Luther music. I never thought I'd say that it's too early for Christmas music, but I'm going to. It's too early for Christmas music. I'm a firm believer in waiting to bring out the Christmas cheer until after Thanksgiving. Wait for the big sales, that's my motto. Granted, my motto in no way seems to reflect Luther College's view on when Christmas starts: October first. That aside, the music itself is pretty cool. We're singing some pretty traditional pieces, but they are really cool arrangements. I also think most of the guys in choir with me share my sentiment on when the Christmas music needs to be pulled out.
Now, with the way Christmas at Luther works, I understand the necessity of preparing. Our first concert is Dec. 4th, and that's a little over a month from now. All of the choirs (7 of them), bands, and orchestras take part in this gargantuan event. This year, it's going to be nationally televised, so you can imagine the excitement...or stress levels that are already floating around with the professors and students.
I think there is a visit day that's in direct relation to Christmas at Luther. If any of you are interested in coming, its a PERFECT opportunity to get some free tickets for you and your family. When you come, you not only get to see the concert, but you also get to audition for any music scholarships that you are thinking about and get to see Luther at its busiest.

Later!
Jake